I'll start by accepting that it is impossible to narrow down all the flavours and dishes of one state into ONE SINGLE restaurant. But here I am trying to give it a go. Every Indian state flaunts a unique cuisine. This alone is enough reason for someone to travel to every nook of the country. How about we follow the trail of food and try the most iconic restaurant from each state?
So here I am, ready to take your food-gasmic journey through delectable restaurants of our multi-diverse cuisine. Ready? Set. Go!
North India
Ahdoos is where you can experience the authentic Kashmiri flavours. As one of the oldest restaurants in Srinagar, Ahdoos is heaven on earth for foodies. The staff and the owner have maintained the 100-year taste in their food and the “adaab” in their service.
Must-try dishes: Mutton Rogan Gosht.
Price for two: INR 1200
Address: Ahdoos Hotel, Residency Road, Jammu
Johnson’s café (Old Manali)
Himachal Pradesh
Considered as an institution of the Old Manali, Johnson’s café serves 10 different types of Himalayan Trout preparations. The terraced garden, with the mountain view on a cold night, with live music and incredible food, what else do you need to visit this iconic restaurant?
Must try dishes: Trout curry served with steamed spinach and Himachali red rice.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: Circuit House Road, Siyal, Kullu, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Away from the modern hubbubs of restaurants, stands a timeless classic – Pal Dhaba. From the Bollywood celebs to locals, they all find themselves pulled towards the naans dripping butter and dals.
Must-try dishes: Dal Makhani, Kheema kalegi, Rogan Josh.
Price for two: INR 800
Address: SCO 151 & 152, Sector 28 D, Sector 28, Chandigarh, 160002
Hot pooris and three different sabzis (aloo, chole, kaddu ki sabzi) served on the plate made out of leaves. This place is a no-frills all flavour joint that was established in 1973. Did I forget to mention that the sabzi’s are unlimited and they serve the sweetest gulab jamuns?
Must-try dishes: The only thing they serve: puris!
Price for two: INR 400
Address: Next to Hanuman Mandir, Hanuman Chowk close to Jhanda Baazar.
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of Shastri Market lies a little haven of the best Punjabi food. A constant demand of the tourist and locals is the makke di roti and sarso ka saag. The restaurant doesn’t’ scream fine-dine but the food will steal your heart away with the hearty portions and unmatched flavour. Don’t forget to order a chilled lassi with your meal!
Must-try dishes: Sarso ka saag, parathans, lassi.
Price for two: INR 800
Address: Shastri Market, Katra Ahluwalia Amritsar, Punjab.
Established in the year 1913 by the royal chef of the last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, Karim’s is a heaven for non-vegetarians. Karim has been going strong for three generations who have served mouth-watering, lip-smacking food to Delhiites.
Must-try dishes: Mutton Rogan Josh, Keema Paratha, Chicken Tikka, and Seekh Kebabs.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: 16 Urdu Bazar Road Infront of Jama Masjid Gate, No.1, Gali Bhairo Wali, Kababiyan, New Delhi, Delhi 110006.
If you are looking for authentic local cuisine, head over to Alchi kitchen. The restaurant was started by a mother-daughter duo to deliver local cuisine to travellers.
Must try dishes: Skyu, thukpa, chhutagi, momos, and khambir with soaked apricot.
Price for two: INR 800
Address: Monastery Road, Alchi, Ladakh 194101.
Bite into the juiciest Tunday Kebabs at this 100-year-old restaurant. Tunday Kebabi serves you the best of Mughlai dishes, exactly what Lucknow is known for! Add their soft parathas along with the mutton boti kebabs and I’m sure you’ll find yourself seated here during your entire stay.
Must try dishes: Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Tunday Ke Kabab, Kabab Paratha, Mutton Korma, Kheer, Firni
Price for two: INR 300
Address: No:168/6, Naaz Cinema Road, Khayali Ganj, Aminabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226018
A trip to Udaipur is incomplete without stopping at the iconic dining hall. They have been serving the tradition thali for years without any modification in taste.
Must-try dishes: Thali, aam ras.
Price for two: INR 300
Address: Near Udaipur Railway station, Jawahar Nagar.
West India
A traditional restaurant from 1978, Vishalla serves the best of Gujarat on a plate. The elaborate Thalis explode with traditional flavours that stay long after you’ve left the place.
Must-try dishes: Authentic Gujarati Food, Thepla, Jalebi, Gujarati Thali, Chaas, Khichdi.
Price for two: INR 1400
Address: Vasna Rd, Opp. Vasna Tol Naka.
There is no questioning the popularity of this age-old café that is a synonym to Mumbai’s culture. Always getting featured in the old and the new café Leopold holds a special place in every Mumbaikar’s heart.
Must try dishes: Chicken Stroganoff, Chicken Wings, Mushroom Tikka.
Price for two: INR 2000
Address: Colaba Causeway, Opposite Olympia Coffee House, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400001.
Goa – Venite Bar and Restaurant
This family-run restaurant in the heart of Panjim is extremely famous for its Goan and Portuguese food. The walls are covered in graffiti, some of which date back to the 1950s.
Must-try dishes: Veg Platter, Stuffed Crab, Pork Vindaloo, Garlic Bread, Pork Chops, Sea Food, Stuffed Steak.
Price for two: INR 1000
Address: 31st January Road, Panaji, Goa.
South India
A simple and no-frill restaurant that will take you down memory lane is Babai Hotel. They serve what Andhara Pradesh is best known for -Pesarattu (soft savory pancake) with sambhar and it is to die for.
Must-try dishes: Pesarattun Pesara Dosa, Idli.
Price for two: INR 300
Address: Nageswara Rao Pantulu Road, Gandhi Nagar, Vijayawada, 520003 Andhra Pradesh.
The legendary biryani served here is famous all over the city. They don’t stop just at biryanis but they also serve the best of Haleems. If you are looking for authentic taste in Hyderabad, look no further.
Must-try dishes: Hyderabadi Dum Biryani, Haleem, Mutton Biryani.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029.
Since 1924, MTR has been the go-to comfort food for all the Banglorians. The food severed here is wholesome Karnataka food that leaves your soul happy.
Must try dishes: Rava Dosa, Masala Dosa, Filter Coffee.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: 305, 100 feet road, Bangalore.
One of the finest and the oldest restaurant in Kerala is famous for its Malabar dishes. The restaurant has won prestigious awards culinary category such as Times Now Foodie and was ranked among the best restaurants in Dubai by Time Out Awards and Ahlan Masala Awards. So, finding a table here might not be the easiest task.
Must-try dishes: Chicken Biryani, grilled chicken, and fish curry.
Price for two: INR 550
Address: Kannur Rd, near CH Over bridge, Kozhikode, Kerala 673001.
Dindigul Thalappakatti has gone from a small street shop in 1956 to a household name in 2021 for its iconic spicy biryani. Now with over 40 joints all over the world, they sure have won many hearts. This is Chennai’s most favourite Biryani joint.
Must-try dishes: Mutton Biryani, Mutton pepper fry, and chicken curry.
Price for two: INR 650
Address: Besant Nagar, Chennai.
Le Club - Puducherry
Le Club was the first restaurant to introduce French cuisine in Puducherry. Located in the heart of the French colony, you should stop by for your French share.
Must-try dishes: Caesar Salad, Mushroom Soup, and Pasta.
Price for two: INR 1400
Address: Hotel De Pondicherry, 38, Dumas Street, White Town, Puducherry.
East India
A short walk from the Patna junction railway station sits the landmark of Patna, Bansi Vihar. With simple and unassuming décor, the restaurant lets the food do all the talking. It is known for its South Indian cuisine.
Must-try dishes: Sambar, dosa, and best enjoyed with a helping of the house’s dry chutney.
Price for two: INR 550
Address: Block-B Maurya Lok Complex, New Dak Bunglow Rd, Patna, Bihar 800001.
A specialty restaurant from Raddison Blu, the Great Kebab Factory is a must-visit to try their Mughlai cuisine. Their succulent kebabs leave you wanting more each time.
Must-try dishes: Kebabs, Mutton Gulati.
Price for two: INR 1500
Address: Radisson Blu, Main Road, Hindpiri, Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Let’s say everything was to end in Bhuwaneshwar and only one thing had to survive, that would be Truptee. A restaurant that has existed for ages, Truptee is the true icon of Bhubaneshwar. This restaurant doesn’t score well on décor or style, but it does serve the best vegetarian meals in the city, making it an eternal favourite among the residents of Bhubaneswar.
Must-try dishes: Masala Dosa, Paneer Lollipop, Kulcha, Paneer Lollipop, Thali.
Price for two: INR 400
Address: Lakshmi Sagar, Bhubaneshwar.
The Indian coffee house is the “adda” of Kolkatta. This place boasts of intellectual heritage as many laurels used to visit here. There is a famous Bengali song by Manna Dey named “Coffee Houser Adda” dedicated to the place.
Must-try dishes: Tea, coffee, chowmein, fried rice, toast, omelet, fish fry.
Price for two: INR 300
Address: No.15, Bankim Chatterjee St, near Sharda Book Stall, College Square, Kolkata, West Bengal 700073.
Central India
This multi-cuisine restaurant is known for its traditional yet modern style. They offer great deals on combo meals and hence it is rare to find an empty table here.
Must-try dishes: Chicken Bharta.
Price for two: INR 300-500
Address: Jaistambh Chowk, Chattisgarh, Raipur 492001, India.
Though it began as a simple milk selling shop in 1978, Manohar flourished into one of the most loved restaurants of Bhopal. You can expect a crowd here whether you’re in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You’d be surprised that the Tiramisu from their bakery section is the most sold item!
Must-try dishes: Papdi chaat, dahi wada, chole samosa, Tiramisu.
Price for two: INR 300-500
Address: 6, Hamidia Rd, Ghora Nakkas, Peer Gate Area, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 462001.
Northeast India
The ultimate place for a Manipuri thali is the Luxmi Kitchen. It offers nothing but the best traditional cuisine for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
Must-try dishes: Sana thongba (it is a spicy cottage cheese preparation), Pakora Thongba (a delicate Manipuri curry that’s prepared in gram flour).
Price for two: INR 800
Address: Wahengbam Leikai, Sagolband, Imphal, 795001.
Paradise is a restaurant that has severed generations in Guwahati and each time they’ve come back. The thali (full meal) is the most famous offering they have, order it to understand the rich flavours of Assamese food.
Must-try dishes: The non-vegetarian thali fish curry (prepared with Assamese spices), tandoori chicken, Chicken Curry, and Payesh (an Assamese dessert).
Price for two: INR 700
Address: Paradise Hotel, Near Goswami Service, MRD Road, Silpukhuri, Guwahati.
If you are looking for the perfect Tibetan Restaurant, the taste of Tibet is here for you. Offering hearty meals, this place is a foodie’s heaven.
Must-try dishes: Chicken momos, Beef momos, Thukpa.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: MG Marg, Vishal Gaon, Gangtok, Sikkim.
As one of the best restaurants in Shillong, Trattoria is a testament to what local food should be. With no fancy décor or ambiance, the only thing that attracts the locals is the food.
Must-try dishes: Jadoh, Jhur kleh.
Price for two: INR 300
Address: Police Bazar Road, Shillong.
LiliKaf- Arunachal Pradesh
A small café located at the hilltop of Itanagar, Lilikaf serves soul food to the locals and travellers alike. The distinct influence of Tibetan cuisine can be tasted in the restaurant.
Must-try dishes: Momos, thukpa.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: Siddhartha Vihar, Itanagar.
Magnolia Restaurant - Mizoram
Magnolia is a local favourite not only for its cuisine but also for the friendly service. If you visit there, you will be able to try a wide variety of dishes from different cuisines, including Mizo, Tandoor, Indian, and others.
Must-try dishes: Their roasted pork with mashed potatoes and soups.
Price for two: INR 800
Address: Zarkawt B - 49/1 | Hotel Regency, Aizawl 796001.
This small food joint has been a local favourite for years and will be yours as soon as you try their Thupkas.
Must-try dishes: beef dimsums (momo) and thukpa.
Price for two: INR 500
Address: Hong Kong Market, Dimapur.
A family-friendly place that serves Indian, Chinese, and Asian Cuisines. One can stop here for a hearty meal and lovely service.
Must-try dishes: chicken bharta, naan, chilly paneer.
Price for two: INR 800
Address: Thakur Pally Road, Palace Compound, Agartala.
This is where the backpackers run for a chilled-out day. They have the best seafood along with some great reads in their library.
Must-try dishes: Grilled Fish with Lemon Rice.
Price for two: INR 600
Address: Havelock no. 3, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211.
I am sure if you have made it to the end of this article you are already salivating and ready to order from your “iconic” restaurant. In India, one can travel for months and still try a new restaurant each day, with different cuisine. This is the beauty of India; it connects people from all across the country through the language of food.
Explore Tripoto's exclusive, 'Mera Shandar Bharat, Safar Anokhey India Ka' where we are celebrating a never-before-seen India!
Follow Tripoto on Telegram to get early access to top travel stories every day.
Share your stories on Tripoto’s Clubhouse channel!
' fill='%23359391'%3e %3cpath d='M46.1538462%2c43.5714286 L41.5%2c50 L36.8461538%2c43.5714286 L36.8670256%2c43.5714286 C36.3173077%2c42.7142857 36%2c41.6851429 36%2c40.5714286 C36%2c37.4854286 38.4535641%2c35 41.5%2c35 C44.5464359%2c35 47%2c37.4854286 47%2c40.5714286 C47%2c41.6851429 46.6826923%2c42.7142857 46.1329744%2c43.5714286 L46.1538462%2c43.5714286 Z M41.4294872%2c39 C40.6150641%2c39 39.9487179%2c39.675 39.9487179%2c40.5 C39.9487179%2c41.325 40.6150641%2c42 41.4294872%2c42 C42.2439103%2c42 42.9102564%2c41.325 42.9102564%2c40.5 C42.9102564%2c39.675 42.2439103%2c39 41.4294872%2c39 L41.4294872%2c39 Z' id='Location-white'%3e%3c/path%3e %3c/g%3e %3c/svg%3e)
